Eclipsing Events in the Cook Islands

29th Jan 2010

Visitors to the Cook Islands can expect far more than idyllic beaches and water activities, with an array of events taking place throughout the year. With any visit to the Cook Islands visitors can experience every inch of the Cook Islands’ culture, tradition and adventure.

The beautiful Cook Islands comprise of 15 islands randomly scattered across the heart of the South Pacific creating a breathtaking paradise for holiday makers wanting to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle back home.

With any visit to the Cook Islands be immersed with South Pacific passion. Cook Islands dancers are described as being among the best in the world and the traditional dancing is considered the most sensual and energetic dancing of the South Pacific. Visitors can see the best dancers during the annual Te Mire Kapa ‘Dancer of the Year’ festival for the junior and intermediate dancers taking place from 16 to 23 April and Te Mire Ura for the senior dancers on May 6th.

On July 11, the Cook Islands sees the natural wonder that is a Total Eclipse of the Sun. Visit the South Pacific island of Mangaia, laze on the beach and marvel as the phenomenon traverses a narrow corridor of the Southern Hemisphere.

The Te Maeva Nui Celebrations will be held on Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands at the National Auditorium from the 2nd - 7th August 2010. This is the major annual cultural event of the Cook Islands and includes dance, chant and choir competitions as well as demonstrations of traditional arts. This is an event not to be missed.

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Explore the Cooks during the 33rd annual Round Rarotonga Road Race, taking place in September. The Race attracts many overseas participants as it presents a selection of varied and fun events for all the family. Apart from the 31km main race around Rarotonga, many further races are organised such as the 5km fun run which opens the event and where dressing up is essential! The main objective of the whole event is to have as much fun as possible and not to take anything too seriously.

From 19-26 November visitors can watch 200 paddlers from all over the world from countries such as Hawaii, Italy, NZ, Australia and Tahiti at the Rarotonga ‘Vaka Eiva Canoeing Regatta’. This is a chance to see paddlers sharing and valuing the traditional significance and importance of the canoe to Pacific culture in a week of competition in one of the largest annual sporting events in the Cook Islands.

If you happen to miss any of the Cook Island’s annual events, never fear as every day is a party in the Cook Islands and visitors can catch a glimpse of the Cook Islands culture by attending an Island Night, which are run by most resorts. These events are a magnificent display of the local native costume and dance routines will get every visitor clapping. So no matter whether you want to take on the locals at their own game or simply marvel at the magnificence of their diverse culture, the Cook Islands are sure to deliver.

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